Flash flood emergency issued in Vermont after nearly 8 inches of rain fell in just hours
Two flash flood emergencies were issued in Vermont early Tuesday morning after storms moved through the region and dumped nearly 8 inches of rain in some locations.
ST. JOHNSBURY, Vermont — Residents in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom were warned to seek higher ground as rivers and streams burst their banks, sending torrential waters into neighborhoods after heavy rains led to two rare flash flood emergencies in the region early Tuesday morning.
“A significant, potentially locally catastrophic flash flooding situation unfortunately occurred in portions of Caledonia County and the northeastern United States overnight,” the National Weather Service office in Burlington said.
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Water covers a road in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. (Saint Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept across northern New England Monday night into Tuesday morning, with several inches of rain falling in a short period of time.
The FOX Forecast Center said 7.97 inches of rain fell in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, over a six-hour period starting at 11 p.m. Monday night, and a month’s worth of rain fell in just two hours.
This triggered a flash flood emergency in parts of Caledonia County, including St. Johnsbury and Danville, Vermont, until 8:15 a.m. local time.
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Shelters in place as floods wash away roads and bridges
A large section of roadway was washed away after catastrophic flooding in the St. Johnsbury, Vermont area. (Saint Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
Flash flooding in parts of northern Vermont washed out roads and bridges across the region, and police urged residents of St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville to shelter in place and not travel unless their personal safety was at risk. Water rescues were also reported in the area.
“This is an especially dangerous situation,” the NWS said. “Seek higher ground now. Life-threatening flash flooding is occurring at low-lying crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE REORGANIZES FLOOD WARNINGS
Rocks and debris are visible in the water under a road near St. Johnsbury, Vermont. (Saint Johnsbury Police Department/Facebook)
The second flash flood emergency was in effect for parts of Essex and Orleans counties in northeastern Vermont, including communities like Morgan Center, and will remain in effect until at least 8:15 a.m. local time.
The NWS said it extended the flash flood warning for the area until at least 10:45 a.m., even though most of the precipitation has passed.
“Rain has stopped, but excessive runoff continues to flow into streams, creeks and rivers,” the NWS said. “Flash flooding continues.”
